How to Replace the Drive Pulley on a Porter Cable Belt Sander Model 352VS

If raised grains and elbow strains are sanding away your patience, it's time to face the fix. Whether you are a sanding pro or a seasonal sander, eReplacementParts.com provides the parts, procedures and facts you need to fearlessly fix what fails you.

The drive pulley transfers power between the sander's motor and the drive belt. Over time, this pulley can wear out. Replacing the drive pulley is easy to do when you follow these step-by-step instructions.

Let's get started.   REMOVING THE PULLEY [top] 1. Remove the drive belt cover.

Remove the four retaining screws from the drive belt cover.

Remove the drive belt cover.

      2. Remove the drive belt.

Slide the drive belt off of the lower (larger) pulley.

Remove the drive belt from the sander.

      3. Remove the drive belt pulley.

Bind the motor by inserting a screwdriver into one of the slots on the side of the armature assembly. This will keep the motor from spinning as you remove the drive pulley. (It is possible to damage the armature, so care must be taken not to allow the screwdriver to slip during this step.)

This pulley is reverse-threaded. Use pliers to loosen the pulley; rotating in a clockwise direction.

Remove the drive pulley from the spindle.

  INSTALLING THE NEW PULLEY [top] 4. Install the new pulley.

Apply thread-sealant to the threads of the new drive pulley.

Thread the new pulley onto the spindle until it is hand-tight.

Bind the motor by inserting a screwdriver into one of the slots on the side of the armature assembly. This will keep the motor from spinning as you install the drive pulley. (It is possible to damage the armature, so care must be taken not to allow the screwdriver to slip during this step.)

This pulley is reverse-threaded. Use pliers to secure the pulley; rotating in a counterclockwise direction.

  REASSEMBLING THE UNIT [top] 5. Reinstall the drive belt.

Inspect the drive belt for cracks or missing cogs. Replace as necessary.

Install the top portion of the drive belt onto the drive pulley.

Install the lower portion of the belt onto the drum pulley.

      6. Reinstall the drive belt cover.

Install the drive belt cover.

Secure the cover with the four screws.

Sanding can be a demanding task. But you don't have to rough-up your accountant to smooth-out your countertops. As you just learned, repairing your own power tools is simple when you follow our step-by-step guides. Not only did you expand sander functionality at a fraction of the cost of replacement; you have taken the edge off all future repairs. Find your next fix here.   [top]